Carl Lynn Baker

Carl Lynn Baker found freedom from Alzheimer’s Disease on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the age of 79. 

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan Kreusch Baker; their daughters, Sharon (Robert) Perugini and Sandra (Chris) Renick; grandchildren: Rose Renick, Jack Renick, Nora Perugini, and Hannah Perugini; sisters-in-law: Jonna Baker, Kary Barth, Lori (Chuck) Reiss, and Kathy Anderson; brother-in-law, Dan Kreusch; and many nieces and nephews. Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Lister Baker; father, Herbert Leland Baker; his brother, Glen Lee Baker; nephews, Bob Baker and Justin Barth; and brother-in-law, Bob Anderson. 

Carl was born and grew up in Milwaukee and lived most of his adult life in Waukesha. He was proud to be the youngest amateur radio operator at 10 years old. He was part of the first electronics graduation class of Boys Technical School and was Salutatorian for his class. He studied electronics at UW-Milwaukee while repairing airplane radios at Timmerman Field. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard (with academic recognition), he joined IBM, where he again was recognized for his academic excellence. His 30 plus years at IBM were spent repairing mid-size computers and working on the introduction of the internet to the Milwaukee area. 

Carl lived life at full throttle and inspired all around him to embrace adventure. He saw the world as a place to explore and enjoy. He always had at least one prized car and for most of his life, one or more boats. Along with his wife, he hiked many local parks and forests, explored most of the National Parks, rode a WWI biplane along the California coast, went ziplining multiple times, and traveled to far-flung destinations. He also traversed the length of the Colorado River savoring the white-water rapids, went parasailing, rode a glider aircraft, drove racecars on multiple tracks, went sky diving with his grandson, piloted a WWII P-51 Mustang, and rode in a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, among his many adventures. A long-time passion was being a boat driver for the Badgerland Water Ski Show Team. 

When not on an adventure, he was building; from a television, a desk for his wife, their dining room table, to a desktop computer from his own design. 

A Celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date. 

Carl was concerned about people, especially children, not having enough to eat and he loved the national parks. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carl Baker’s name, to either: The National Parks Conservation Association, or The Food Pantry of Waukesha County.